Manila: Indigenous peoples leaders in Barangay Macambol are pressing for greater transparency and accountability in the disbursement of mining royalty fees, stressing that benefits must be clearly documented and equitably shared within IP communities, including Barangay Cabuaya.
According to Philippines News Agency, Datu Vidal Mapinogos Jr., 56, and Datu Simplicio Mendoza Jr., 67 - recognized tribal leaders and members of the Indigenous Peoples Political Structure - asserted their authority in demanding full accountability for the PHP24 million royalty released in 2024 by Hallmark Mining Corp. The royalty, legally earmarked for tribal development, was downloaded to the Macambol-Cabuaya Ancestral Domain Management Office.
Mapinogos said that during a May 2024 assembly, MCADMO officers reported only PHP1.4 million remained of the royalty fund, prompting IPS members to demand proper liquidation. "The IPS is the highest governing body in matters concerning the Community Resources Management Development Program," Mapinogos explained, noting that royalty use must follow the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan under guidelines of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
Meanwhile, Mendoza added that 10 of 12 IPS members have formally demanded an accounting from the Indigenous Peoples Organization, citing the absence of resolutions or documentation on projects funded by the royalty. This year, HMC is set to release another PHP32 million in royalties, but Mapinogos said the release is pending until proper liquidation of the previous fund is made available.
Tension flared on July 22 when IPS members clashed with MCADMO officers and NCIP-11 officials during a meeting to present interim officers replacing the IPS. Hundreds of IPs rejected the move and demanded transparency in royalty management. NCIP-Davao Oriental chief Julius Mabini said his office will prepare an incident report on the confrontation. "We initiated to gather the IPs with the intention to solve their issues. We were just shocked that we were pushed away," he said.
